Method and device for analyzing resonance

ABSTRACT

A device for analyzing and compensating for automotive noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is provided. The device includes a microprocessor, a sensor, to measure NVH associated with an automotive system of a vehicle at a frequency and monitor any direct correlation of an environmental condition to a harmonic or resonation problem, the sensor having an output in electrical communication with the microprocessor when vibrations are present at the measured frequency, and a tensioner for adjusting surface tension of a surface of the vehicle to reduce resonance, wherein the tensioner adjusts tension when said microprocessor determines resonance as sensed by the sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/992,541, filed Jan. 11, 21016, entitled, “Method and DeviceFor Analyzing Resonance,” which is a continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/838,747, filed Mar. 15, 2013, and entitled,“Method and Device For Analyzing Resonance.” The entire contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a method and device for analyzingresonance in musical instruments, automotive vehicles, or otherstructures.

BACKGROUND

In physics, resonance is the tendency of a system to oscillate with highamplitude when excited by energy at a certain frequency. This frequencyis known as the system's natural frequency of vibration or resonantfrequency. A resonant object, whether mechanical, acoustic, orelectrical, will probably have more than one resonant frequency(especially harmonics of the strongest resonance). It will be easy tovibrate at those frequencies, and more difficult to vibrate at otherfrequencies. The resonant object will “pick out” its resonant frequencyfrom a complex excitation, such as an impulse or a wideband noiseexcitation. In effect, it is filtering out all frequencies other thanits resonance. Mechanical resonance is the tendency of a mechanicalsystem to absorb more energy when the frequency of its oscillationsmatches the system's natural frequency of vibration (its resonantfrequency) than it does at other frequencies.

When playing a musical instrument, such as a violoncello (commonlyreferred to as the cello), the cellist will choose which string orstrings to play by depressing the string or strings on a fingerboardwhile bowing in techniques such as standard bowing, double stops,collegno, spiccato or staccato or by plucking using pizzicato. Adifficulty that arises when performing using these various playingtechniques on the cello is that during play, mechanical resonance mayoccur in strings and/or the body of the instrument. Such mechanicalresonance causes undesired sound waves hereinafter referred to as wolftone which may be detrimental to the sound during the performance of thecellist.

In addition, resonance may be detrimental in other acoustic, mechanicalor electrical devices.

SUMMARY

A first general aspect of the invention provides a device for analyzingand compensating for instability and surface tension due to resonance ofvibrations of a material, said device comprising: a microprocessor; asensor, to measure vibrations due to resonance of a surface of saidmaterial at a frequency, said sensor having an output in electricalcommunication with the microprocessor when vibrations are present at themeasured frequency; a tensioner for adjusting surface tension of themeasured surface to reduce resonance, wherein said tensioner adjuststension when said microprocessor determines resonance as sensed by saidsensor.

A second general aspect of the invention provides a device for analyzingand correcting undesired resonance comprising: a power source; amicroprocessor electrically connected to the power source; a sensorhaving an output, wherein the sensor is electrically connected to themicroprocessor, which receives the output from the sensor, wherein themicroprocessor generates a result; and a frequency generator, whereinthe generator is determined by the microprocessor and compensates forthe unwanted resonance.

A third general aspect of the invention provides a method for analyzingand correcting vibrations comprising: providing a sensor for detectingvibrations; providing a feedback loop for gathering sensed vibrations;providing a signal generator to augment the vibration; sampling theaugmented vibration with the sensor; and analyzing the augmentedvibration detected by the sensor with a microprocessor to determinedeviance from an ideal vibration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the components of a device for sensing and analyzing bothenvironmental factors and vibrations in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows the position where at least one substrate layer may beattached below the bass F-hole inside the instrument and also where amute device may be attached to the short section of the strings inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of two substrate layers attached onthe inside of the instrument below the bass F-hole in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a tensioner or compressive device attached to the back sideof a stringed instrument in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a tensioner or compressive device in communication with asensing and analyzing device, said tensioner device and said sensingdevice comprising one hybrid device in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 shows a device for sensing and analyzing environmental factorsand vibrations including a wave generating device that can communicatevia a feedback loop with a microprocessor in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 shows a device for sensing and analyzing environmental factorsand vibrations and the various positions onto a vehicle in which atleast one device is located.

FIG. 8 shows a device for analyzing and correcting unwanted vibrationsin accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention diagnoses and addresses problems associated with resonancein acoustic, mechanical or electrical devices and may addressdeficiencies in their underlying structures. Vibrations, such as sound,travel in waves and have a certain frequency. The normal unit that afrequency is measured in is hertz, which is one cycle per second.Musical frequencies are between 20 and 20,000 hertz, which coincideswith what is considered the normal range of human hearing. Waves alsohave intensity or level called amplitude, which is a measure of thestrength of the wave. The problems with unwanted vibrations andharmonics in all objects are important, but these problems areespecially important in the field of acoustics.

There exists in the field of acoustics, specifically in the field ofstringed instruments, a specific phenomenon known as the wolf tone thatcan not be corrected by mere “tuning” in the conventional sense on astring instrument. A wolf tone is defined as a type of destructive chordwith a wildly fluctuating and uncontrollable tone that deviates indesired frequency or loudness from a given note on a major scale.

The invention comprises a device 100 that is useful for both analyzingand compensating for instability and surface tension in all objects,including examples of either the class of instruments that may beplagued by the wolf tone or certain automobiles that may requireautomotive NVH screening.

The device 100 may be used, for example, on an instrument in the classof those instruments that may be plagued by the wolf tone, including butnot limited to the: violin, guitar, cello, base, banjo, harp,harpsichord, piano, viola, mandolin and ukulele. The device 100 examinesthe resonance of vibrations of a material and, if required, addressesthe vibrations with several different methods by adjusting either thesurface tension or other another unsatisfactory condition. The problemwith a wolf tone is that in some circumstances and conditions it ispresent, and in other conditions it is absent. The wolf tone generallyoccurs, for example, on the violin between the E and F pitch. The wolftone may not occur with what seems like regularity because it may beaffected by environmental factors such as temperature or humidity, aswell as structural deficiencies of the body of the instrument.

When a string on an instrument is plucked or bowed, waves travel backand forth through the medium being reflected at each fixed end. Waves ofcertain magnitudes can survive on the medium and all others are canceledout through either dampening or interaction with other waves. Thesewaves are called the harmonics of the vibration and will not cancel eachother out as they reflect back upon themselves. The harmonics areconsidered standing waves because they produce patterns which do notmove. On a medium such as a violin string, several harmonically relatedstanding wave patterns are possible. It is important to understand thatfor any one given medium fixed at each end only certain sized waves canstand.

When examining the acoustic waves of a stringed instrument, the firstpattern has the longest wavelength and is called the first harmonic orthe fundamental. The second harmonic has half the wavelength and twicethe frequency of the first harmonic and is called the first overtone.The third harmonic has one third the wavelength and three times thefrequency when compared to the first harmonic and is called the secondovertone. The instrument having a structural instability that causes theinteraction of these harmonics in various unexpected and undesirableresonance combinations is also referred to as the wolf tone. The device100 can identify and isolate the structural elements that are causingthe unexpected and undesirable resonance combinations, i.e. causing awolf tone.

The higher harmonics almost always have maximum amplitudes much lessthan the fundamental, or first, harmonic. It is the fundamentalfrequency that determines the note that humans hear and, therefore, itshould be considered the most important harmonic to observe first indetermining the existence of destructive chords in an instrument. It isthe upper harmonic structure that determines the timber of theinstrument that is analyzed by the invention. However, the timber of theinstrument may be deficient in some manner and cause a distortion in thefundamental frequency.

Referring to FIG. 1, the components of a device 100 for sensing andanalyzing both environmental factors and vibrations are shown inaccordance with the present invention. The device 100 measures theconditions that are present during unwanted harmonics. The device 100may create a feedback loop to constantly monitor the conditions presentover a period of sampled time when an unwanted harmonic is present. Thedevice 100 may comprise a microprocessor 101 connected to sensors 120that monitor any direct correlation of an environmental condition to aharmonic or resonation problem. Microprocessor 101 may be amicroprocessor that is available commercially in many different forms.One such example is a simple microprocessor, such as an 8 bit circuit.Another such example includes more advanced based circuits, like thosecommonly associated with a desktop computer.

The initial testing may measure with a plurality of sensors 120 manyparameters such as wave frequency sensor 115, wave amplitude sensor 116,temperature sensor 117, moisture sensor 118, surface tension sensor 119or additional other desired parameters to help pinpoint the conditionsat which the unwanted harmonic is caused in a particular instrument orstructure. The sensors 120 may monitor and pinpoint a correlation to theunwanted harmonic divergence from the ideal tone to one or moremonitorable conditions over a period of time.

The surface tension of the body of an instrument may be measured simplyby pointing the surface tension sensor 119 of the device 100 at the bodyof an instrument 201, emitting a frequency wave and analyzing thefeedback signal. This works on the principle that when a tensionedmember anchored at two points is struck, it will vibrate at a frequencyrelated to its tensile stress. The tensile stress of the material of thebody of an instrument is a commonly known phenomenon. The reflected wavecould also be compared to a reflected wave of a similar type and make ofinstrument not known to be effected by a wolf tone. For example, duringthe testing for the wolf tone, the test may indicate that the wolf toneis created by either too great or too little humidity. Accordingly, thesolution would be to store the resonating object under certainconditions of humidity. Further, the moisture sensor 118 may have analarm triggered when the acceptable conditions, either high or low, areexceeded. Moisture sensor 118 may be comprised of various differentsensors to allow it to measure moisture levels such as a sensor thatmeasures the change in conductance or resistance of a material by usinginfrared light or a laser.

Regardless of which sensor 115, 116, 117, 118 or 119 is selected tomeasure an unwanted harmonic, each sensor may be comprised of variousindividual sensors, and may be calibrated in relation to occurrence ofthe particular unwanted harmonic under particular measurableenvironmental condition, such as moisture levels, and thereby theparticular unwanted harmonic may be associated with the particularenvironmental condition. Additionally, sensors 120 may have outputs 125,126, 127, 128, 129 that are in communication with microprocessor 101.

Wave frequency sensor 115 and wave amplitude sensor 116 may be used tomeasure directly the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations of asurface, or strings 202 of instrument 201. Further, sensors 115, 116have outputs 125, 126 in electrical communication with themicroprocessor 101 when vibrations are present.

For example, the frequency measured could be that of the ideal frequencyof a certain component of a resonating object, where an unwantedharmonic had previously occurred in a spectrum broader than the limit ofhuman hearing. Once the surface conditions are known, a specific andtailored fix for correction of an unwanted harmonic can be prepared forthe resonating object.

For example, a wolf tone may be caused by the coupled oscillation of thestring and body of a stringed instrument. The stringed instrument hastwo resonances; one resonance is from the string while the other is fromthe body of the instrument. For a coupled oscillation process to occur,the two resonances need to be very near equal in frequency, also knownas a Helmholtz oscillation. There are two types of Helmholtzoscillations involved, one by bowing the instrument 201 and the otherthe ocarina or bottle effect of the main body of the instrument 201. Awolf tone may disrupt the normal bowing pattern of the instrument 201and may excite the air resonance within, making the bridge 250 of theinstrument 201 excessively yield. The yielding of the bridge 250 mayprevent the strings 202 from properly resonating.

In other situations, the wave may oscillate forming a shifting ofenergy, which results in a warbling sound due to the beat frequencybetween the resonant frequencies of the body of the instrument 201 andthe strings 202, respectively. In situations where the resonances areactive, it may cause the production of a “growly” tone. If one of theresonances is inaudible, the instrument 201 can accumulate energy andthen release it in one burst, like a sheep blat.

Wolf tones may be affected by changes in humidity, because sound travelsfaster in moist air which, in turn, causes the resonant frequencies ofthe air go up. The wood resonances may drop as the wood gets heavier andless stiff with changes in the humidity. A wolf tone can become moreentrenched the more the instrument 201 is played. Additionally, a wolftone may vanish if the instrument 201 is left to sit for long periods oftime, unused. The concept behind instrument idleness allows the wood tostiffen back up again. Leaving an instrument 201 idle is largelyundesirable, as during which time it is idle it cannot be played.Further, leaving an instrument 201 idle will not fix every problem. Thedevice 100 addresses the problem without resorting to less effective anddesirable alternative—lengthy periods of instrument 201 idleness.

In certain instances, once the wolf tone is examined it may be preventedby mounting a mute element 140 on the short section of the strings 202located below the bridge 250 of the instrument. As shown in FIG. 2, themute element 140 may be attached to one or all of the strings 202. Atthis location, the mute element 140 may aid by damping the offendingmode of resonance by forcing it to sound in that section of the stringonly. The mute element 140 may function by adding to the mass of thestring anchor 203 in the vicinity of the offending strings 202. The muteelement 140 has the effect of raising the impedance of the bridge 250back to an acceptable level. The mute element 140, when attached to theinstrument 201, may help to stiffen the sound board 204 so that it maynot resonate as dramatically.

Another embodiment of the invention may comprise the attachment of asubstrate layer 150 to the inside of the top plate just below the bassF-hole 155, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The substrate layer 150having a first thickness 151 and first stiffness can be removablyaffixed and then analyzed with the device 100. If the conditions for thewolf tone are still determined to be present after testing with thedevice 100, then a second substrate layer 153 having a second thickness154 and a second stiffness may be substituted and retested, oradditionally applied and retested.

In another embodiment, a corrective response to a location where theinstrument has been determined to have a wolf tone can be squeezedlaterally by a compressive device 160, as shown in FIG. 4. Compressivedevice 160 may be placed on the bottom side of instrument 201. Thiscompressive device 160 may act to dampen the vibration of the wood ofthe body by altering very slightly the shape and volume of the aircavity inside the body, thereby causing the alteration of the resonantfrequencies.

In one embodiment, the manner to address this deficiency in the timberof the instrument or measured surface may be by utilizing a tensioner160 for adjusting surface tension of the measured surface. As discussed,the tension of a surface can be determined based on emitting a wave andcomparing the emitted wave to the reflected wave, while basing thecomparison on the known properties of the material. The tensioner 160may be moved or adjusted to reduce undesirable vibrations on themeasured surface. The device may then check for unwanted wolf tones in afeedback loop 130 so that tensioner 160 may properly adjust tension, asshown in FIG. 5. When the microprocessor 101 determines destructivewaves or problematic chords as sensed by said sensors 120 are stillpresent, then the tension may be further changed.

The tensioner 160 may be a length adjustable wire having at least twomounting points on the surface, wherein the tension of the wire controlsthe tension of the surface, thus changing the frequencies of the surfacemeasured. For example, the surface could either be internal or externalto the body of an instrument 201, or on the front or back face of aninstrument 201. The length adjustable wire 160 could be mounted with anadhesive or screws. When operating with the surface of a guitar orcello, the surface tensioner 160 could be placed in the back exteriorsection of the instrument so as to not interfere with the reflectedacoustics inside the body.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tensioner or compressive device 160 may be incommunication with device 100 through a feedback loop 130. When sensors120 of device 100 determine that there is a wolf tone, themicroprocessor 101 of device 100 may communicate to cause compressive ortensioner device 160 to compress or create tension in instrument 201. Inanother embodiment, device 100 is included within compressive device 160to comprise a single hybrid device 165. In this embodiment, a singledevice 165 may monitor and fix the wolf tone.

In another embodiment, the surface tension sensor 119 may also be apiezoelectric film having a plurality of layers, wherein the intensityof the electrical signal determines the tension of the surface inaddition to the acoustic chord itself being measured. The method isbased on the direct piezoelectric effect; vis. charge liberatedfollowing stress application. The compressive stresses imparted acrossthe films top and bottom surfaces produce a charge to be liberated thatis measured using charge amplifiers. The piezoelectric effect can alsobe used to create tension in a surface with a piezoelectric pusher foruse as a tensioning member 160. When an electric charge is supplied to apiezoelectric pusher 160, it causes a change in length and thus tensionin the surface of the instrument or object containing the piezoelectricpusher.

Once the tension of the surface is determined to be too low, whichcauses unwanted harmonics (confirmed by device 100), then the surfacetension may be increased to compensate. In another embodiment, atensioner 160 may be an additional surface layer having a greaterrigidity that may be affixed to the original surface of the musicalinstrument in order to create a new surface tension. Application of thislayer may cause an increase in surface tension sufficient to remove anunwanted wolf tone. One method may be chemically bonding a polymersurface layer to the surface material which is capable of migration intothe weak pores of a substrate having insufficient rigidity. When thesurface is coated with an epoxy, polyurethane, or cyanoacrylate, andallowed to fully cure, it causes increased surface tension. The layermay also be a section of wood or other material that is then eitherlaminated or bonded with adhesives to the original surface. Theadhesives may be permanent and cross-linked as discussed above or couldbe thermoplastic and bonded through heat or through chain-end migrationinto surface irregularities of the instrument.

Other examples are mechanical in nature, such as when surfaces arestretched, bonded, and then are returned to the original surfacedimensions through molecular relaxation or internal forces. For example,a plastic can be mechanically stressed within its tensile limits when itis below its Tg and then upon heating, the plastic relaxes and attemptsto return to its original dimensions. The plastics that are mosteffective may have high amounts of crystallinity, where thecrystallinity in effect acts as internal coils that retract uponrelaxation induced during heating.

In another embodiment, the tensioner 160 may comprise at least one forceprotruding implement configured to engage the surface of the materialsuch that force applied at the fulcrum point tensions the surface. Theforce protruding element may be a rigid bar or some other implement thatwill multiply the force on a surface, creating tension when applied tothe fulcrum point.

The wolf tone may be harmonic and, therefore, may be addresseddynamically with the introduction of a corrective wave. A wave usuallydoes not reflect when it strikes other waves, but rather, it combineswith other waves into one wave. In a constructive interferencesituation, the amplitudes of two waves have the same sign (both eitherpositive or negative) and they will add together to form a wave with alarger amplitude. In a destructive interference situation, the twoamplitudes have opposite signs and they will subtract to form a combinedwave with lower amplitude. Constructive interference will make a soundlouder while destructive interference will make a sound quieter.

In a further embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the device 100 may furtherconsist of a feedback loop 135 between a wave generating device 136 andmicroprocessor 101 that may provide a continuous monitoring andcorrection of a wolf tone by providing a frequency that will cancel outthe unwanted secondary harmonics. Wave generating device 136 may add anadditional wave comprising the proper shape and size (frequency andamplitude) to nullify the wolf tone's effect while still being present.When two waves are added together having different frequencies, thecrests and troughs will not generally add up the same way with each newwave because one is moving faster than the other. Accordingly, wavegenerating device 136 may mimic and cancel out the wolf tone part of thewaves by interfering destructively.

The material analyzed may be a string of a musical instrument, aspreviously discussed, or the material may also be surfaces of otherstructures, including, but not limited to: buildings, bridges, or evenautomobile members. All surfaces have an ideal tension to perform asrequired with the disclosed device. For example, the frame of a car caneither be too soft or too stiff thus contributing too unwanted roadnoise.

That is, the device 100 may be utilized in analyzing and correctingunwanted vibrations of an automotive vehicle. Although certainvibrations in a vehicle are common during operation, certain vibrationsmay be indicative of, as referred to in the automotive industry,“automotive noise, vibration, and harshness” (hereinafter ‘automotiveNVH’). Automotive NVH is a symptomatic vibration that may be present ina various automotive systems, indicative of vehicle performanceproblems. As such, these respective vibrations comprise respectiveresonances, each of which may be analyzed in efforts to diagnose andcorrect automotive NVH.

The phenomenon of automotive NVH not only refers to cars, SUVs, vans,and trucks, but may also apply to motorcycles, four-wheelers, or evencommercial trailer trucks. Automotive NVH may be related to variousissues concerning the design, manufacture, material, or performance ofvehicles. Additionally, automotive NVH may be a symptom of widelyvarying automotive issues, including, but not limited to such areas as:engine mounts, shock absorbers, brake systems, suspensions, tire noise,powertrain torsional systems, interior acoustics, body/frame mounting,door seals, induction and exhaust systems, belt vibration, transmissionrattle, piston slap, or alternators.

Specifically herein, automotive NVH refers to interior acoustics,body/frame mounting, or even door seals. Issues with respect to interioracoustics, body/frame mounting, or door seals typically present uglynoise problems that detract from the quality of the vehicle, irritatingthe vehicle driver and passengers. Therefore, it is desirable to createa method and device for analyzing the resonance caused by the vibrationsof the vehicle as it is affected by the impact of the wind, road, orother environmental surroundings during operation. Further, it isdesirable to diagnose any atypical noises or sounds produced by thevehicle and correct any problems attributed to automotive NVH.

Many of the parts within the various systems of an automotive vehicletypically vibrate during operation, creating a resonance. However,automotive NVH is a symptomatic noise, rattle, vibration, squeak, orperceived harshness in operation that is distinctive from the ordinaryand typical operational noises and vibrations. Therefore, the automotiveNVH vibrations create resonances are independent from the traditionaloperating performance resonances which may be detected, measured, oranalyzed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the device 100 (described in reference to FIG. 1)may be removably attached to a surface, which is a location on anexterior or interior position of a vehicle 301. Additionally, aspreviously discussed, the surface may be, but is not limited to: anportion of interior surface, a portion of the vehicle body, a portion ofthe frame mounts, a door seal, or any part of the vehicle that isproximally located to the exterior environment of the vehicle 301. FIG.7 illustrates the various surfaces onto which the device 100 may beremovably attached. Further, the device 100 may be used while thevehicle is running or in motion. As shown in FIG. 7, the device 100 maybe used on various surfaces of vehicle 301 to evaluate, measure, andanalyze vibrations and resonances. For example, device 100 a may beplaced in proximity to the various contact points where the body of thevehicle 301 is mounted to the vehicle frame. A further example providesthat device 100 b may be placed in close in proximity to a door seal ofthe vehicle 301. Also, the device 100 c may be placed, for example, on asection of the body to detect, measure, and analyze road noise orvibration with other vehicle parts. Additional examples include a device100 placed on the interior to measure and analyze interior acoustics, adevice 100 placed on the undercarriage to measure and analyze roadnoise, or a device 100 placed on contact points of the vehicle, wheretwo different vehicle parts touch.

The device 100 operates in the same manner as previously discussed withrespect to FIG. 1 and in discussion relevant to FIG. 1 applying to thealternate embodiment, the instrument 201. The only differing factor fromthe previous discussion is that the device measures and analyzesautomotive NVH in a vehicle in lieu of a wolf tone in an instrument.Further, once the device 100 has diagnosed a level of automotive NVH, itmay be corrected, as previously discussed, by using a substrate layer150 or a compressive device (also referred to as a tensioner) 160 tocorrect the automotive NVH.

Another embodiment comprises a device 200 for analyzing and correctingundesired vibrations comprising a power source 210, as shown in FIG. 8.The power source 210 may be either direct current or alternating currentand it may be from batteries, generator, wall outlet, battery or anyother known power generating or storing device.

A microprocessor 220 may be electrically connected to the power source210. Also a sensor 230 having an output 235, wherein the sensor 230 maybe electrically connected to the microprocessor 220. The sensor 230should have a resolution that may be capable of receiving waves thatwould be considered undesirable, at least encompassing the normalhearing range. When the sensor 230 receives a signal within thatmeasured range it may produce an output 235. The output 235 from thesensor 230 may include information such as magnitude of the signal. Theoutput 235 from the sensor 230 may be sent to the microprocessor 220,which in turn generates a result.

A frequency generator 240 may be electrically connected to themicroprocessor 220 and may create a feedback loop 250. The frequencygenerator 240 may be controlled by the result of the microprocessor 220and may compensate for the unwanted frequency. The microprocessor 220may then resample the environment and determine if the frequencygenerator 240 needs to be re-calibrated to a different frequency tocompensate for the undesirable environmental frequencies. The device 200may include an amplifier 260 in electrical connection with the frequencygenerator 240 if the magnitude of the frequency generated is notsufficient to counteract the undesirable environmental frequency.

A method for analyzing and correcting unwanted vibrations such as a wolftone may be made by providing a sensor for detecting vibrations. If thevibration is unwanted, then it may be addressed by the device. Moreover,analyzing and correcting can be facilitated by providing a feedback loopfor gathering sensed vibrations to determine if they are changing over aperiod of time. Furthermore, analyzing and correcting may includeproviding a signal generator to augment the vibration to correct anydeficiencies in the frequencies. Additionally, analyzing and correctingmay include sampling the augmented vibration with the sensor todetermine the deviance from the desired vibration. Still further,analyzing and correcting may also include the next step, which may beanalyzing the augmented vibration detected by the sensor with amicroprocessor in order to determine the deviance from an idealvibration, then generating a correction signal to correct the deviancein the ideal vibration.

In addition, the method of analyzing and correcting may include theresampling of the vibration with the sensor to determine if furthercorrection may be required after analyzing the resampled vibration withthe microprocessor. Then with the microprocessor determining a deviancein the resampled vibration, the deviance may be measured. The deviationcan be addressed by generating a subsequent vibration signal to correctthe deviation. When a signal is an additive wave, it may correct pointscanceled out by unwanted vibration. When the signal is a destructivewave, it may be used to remove the amplitude, change the frequency, orchange the energy of the unwanted signal. When the signal is acomplementary wave, it does not change the signal frequency, but it mayincrease the amplitude.

As an additional example, the frequency measured could be that of theideal frequency (or ideal frequency threshold) of a certain automotivemember, such as an engine mount or a suspension, while the respectivevehicle is in operation. Once the ideal threshold frequencies ofoperation are known, future measurements of non-conforming or otherwisedeviating frequencies may perform a diagnostic that may aid in thesource identification issues and performance guidelines in themaintenance and repair of such automotive members.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specificembodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as setforth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the following claims. The claims provide thescope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to thespecific examples provided herein.

1. A device for analyzing and compensating for automotive noise,vibration and harshness (NVH), the device comprising: a microprocessor;a sensor, to measure NVH associated with an automotive system of avehicle at a frequency and monitor any direct correlation of anenvironmental condition to a harmonic or resonation problem, the sensorhaving an output in electrical communication with the microprocessorwhen vibrations are present at the measured frequency; a tensioner foradjusting surface tension of a surface of the vehicle to reduceresonance, wherein the tensioner adjusts tension when saidmicroprocessor determines resonance as sensed by the sensor.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the tensioner is a length adjustable wirehaving at least two mounting points on the surface, wherein the tensionof the wire controls the tension of the material.
 3. The device of claim1 further comprising: a surface tension sensor, wherein the sensor is apiezoelectric film having a plurality of layers, wherein the intensityof the electrical signal determines the tension of the surface relativeto the frequency measured.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein thetensioner is a piezoelectric pusher.
 5. The device of claim 1 whereinthe tensioner is an additional surface layer under tension affixed tothe original surface of the musical instrument to create a new surfacetension.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the tensioner is at least oneforce protruding implement configured to engage the surface of thevehicle such that engagement at a fulcrum point such that force appliedat the fulcrum point tensions the surface.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the device is positioned on an interior or exterior surface of avehicle.
 8. A vehicle comprising a device according to claim
 1. 9. Adevice for analyzing and correcting undesired resonance in automobiles,the device comprising: a power source; a microprocessor electricallyconnected to the power source; a sensor having an output, the sensormonitoring any direct correlation of an environmental condition to aharmonic or resonation problem, wherein the sensor is electricallyconnected to the microprocessor, which receives the output from thesensor, wherein the microprocessor generates a result; and a wavegenerating device sharing a feedback loop with the microprocessor, thefeedback loop continuously monitoring and correcting automotive NVH,wherein the wave generating device generates a wave comprising afrequency and amplitude to nullify an effect of the NVH.
 10. The deviceof claim 9, further comprising: an amplifier in electrical connectionwith the frequency generator.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein thepower source is selected from the group consisting of batteries,external alternating current or external direct current.
 12. The deviceof claim 9, wherein the sensor and the frequency generator are from thesame element, a speaker.
 13. The device of claim 9, wherein the sensoris a microphone.
 14. The device of claim 9, wherein the device ispositioned on an interior or exterior surface of a vehicle.
 15. A systemfor analyzing automotive noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), thesystem comprising: an automobile having at least one automobile system;and a device for analyzing NVH associated with the automobile, thedevice including a microprocessor and a sensor, the sensor having anoutput in electrical communication with the microprocessor, and atensioner for adjusting surface tension of a surface of the automobile;wherein the device is located proximate at least one of: a door sealframe of the automobile, a contact point between a body of theautomobile and a frame of the automobile, and a section of the body ofthe automobile.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the device detects,measures, and analyzes road noise or vibration with respect to theautomobile.
 17. A method for reducing NVH comprising utilizing thedevice according to claim 1.